Induction of PBSN Officers

Lagos Travel Blog

The induction for the new set of officers of the Philippine Barangay Society in Nigeria (PBSN) was held last July 12, 2009 at Caverton Headquarters. The event commenced with a Mass celebrated by our beloved Filipino priest, Fr. Doury. The Inducting Officer was none other than our honourable Charge d’ Affaires, Consul General Alex Lamadrid. He was assisted by Engr. Esperanza Derpo, who is currently the Chairman of the PBSN Board of Trustees.The event was a blending of the old and the new, of the past and the present as we see familiar faces of long ago sharing the spotlight with Filipinos who had just arrived in Lagos. Even in her turnover speech, Chairman Esper said that it is not so much for us to count where we are going but what is more important is that we recognized where we started and that the naijapinoys are still together doing their share in helping not just the Philippines but also our adopted country Nigeria through the various charities we sponsor and participated in.

before the induction...election time...see me??? hahaha...this was the election day for the officers.

Newly elected Chairman Tito Villaruel echoed this sentiment in his inaugural speech as he said that he hoped Filipinos in Nigeria could find more common ground, more reasons to unite and perhaps it is through adding sporting events in the usual family day that we could achieve this.

In a way, that day also doubled as a recognition day as past officers and other Filipinos and a Nigerian national were recognized for their outstanding contribution in promoting the Bayanihan spirit. It is another way of thanking them for the support they have shown to the whole community. The immediate past officers were given the Community Service Award while Engr. Esperanza Derpo, Manny Figueroa and Gabby Dimude received Certificate of Appreciation from the Philippine Embassy.

Every first Sunday of the month, the Filipino community under the auspices of the Philippine Barangay Society in Nigeria (PBSN), holds a regular get together at Caverton Headquarters at Adeniyi Jones. Filipinos from Lagos and nearby locals and states would troop to this place to unwind after working non stop for six days.

Sumptuous Filipino foods like adobo, menudo, lumpia, dinuguan and lechon are on sale, so usually, we would have our lunch there plus we would stock on these delectable treats. Turon, leche flan, puto, macaroons are among the sweets that are also available. I would usually get two main dishes, good enough to last for 3 days until the next family day.

Of course, just like any other pinoy gathering, beers and pulutan would not be far behind. Aside from the local pinoy pulutan, there is ‘suya’ – the barbequed beef or chicken, Nigerian style. It is soft, juicy and spicy to the highest level, the perfect company for that ice cold beer.

Karaoke singing via the wow magic sing provides a much needed bonding moments to all Filipinos. Sabong (cockfighting) would sometimes be part of the activities, as well as playing darts, bingo, ‘tong-its’, raffle draws and volleyball.

Family day also served as a general forum for announcement about the community and if there is any outreach activity that will benefit Philippines.